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Page 61 The Wolfe Island Ferry Crises of 1946 The War Assets Steamer OTTAWA MAYBROOK becomes The new Wolfe Island ferry: MS WOLFE ISLANDER On November 18,1946 It is understood the vessels are about 150 feet long with a 30 foot beam. The vessel would have to be widened to about 40 feet to permit motor cars and other freight to be carried. Whig Standard, August 1, 1946 "I assure you that I accept this boat with a great deal of pleasure. During the past two years it has been difficult to provide a ferry service with the use of the old ferry steamer and landing craft." Wolfe Island Reeve Craig Russell, November 18, 1946 On accepting the new Jerry at Clarence Street pier, Kingston, Ontario Whig Standard, November 19, 1946 Sixty years ago, in Collingwood Ontario, four small, brand new coastal freighters awaited delivery for their part in a final assault in the Far East for the war effort. These vessels were to be small cargo ships hauling supplies to allied forces into difficult, shallow and enemy infested Pacific ports. The Canadian contingent plan was to have thirty five of these "Ottawa" class ships constructed at different shipyards on both coasts as well as the Great Lakes. The shipyard at Collingwood completed three: hull 132, Ottawa Mayhill; hull 133, Ottawa Mayrock; hull 134, Ottawa Maytor and one not quite complete, hull 135, Ottawa Maybrook. But, the war ended. As a result, the surplus vessels were turned over to the War Assets Corporation whose headquarters were in Montreal. For the community of Wolfe Island the timing was perfect. A new, partially finished ship was fmally found. Crossing to Kingston on the landing craft infantry barge WOLFE ISLANDER NO. 1, Wolfe Island Reeve Craig Russell sat in his car and pondered the future of Wolfe Island and the ferry crisis. Here it was, mid summer, and the boats were operating at capacity. Both of the car ferries, the LCI landing barges, were continuously busy as well as the water taxis, especially the Mullin's sleek cruiser REBOLA. The Reeve was meeting up with Charles Crozier, the president of the Kingston Progressive Conservative Association and former Kingston Mayor Dr. Harry Stewart who was now the Member of the Legislative Assembly for the province. They were headed for Toronto, in hopes of persuading the Minister of Highways, the Hon. George Doucett their need for financial assistance in obtaining the partially finished OTTAWA MAYBROOK, the former 'CHINA COASTER'. Russell rolled up his window to shut out the noise of the vessel's engine. Even in this moderate swell they were rolling heavily with spray breaking over the bulwarks. This was probably the ugliest and most uncomfortable ship ever designed by man, he thought. An assault ship, originally built for one voyage and one purpose only; landing troops on a hostile beach. The two motorized barges were hardly an answer to the ferry problem but they were a quick solution in a time of need. Reeve Russell's thoughts now centered on the new boat sitting half finished in Collingwood. With a bit of modification, this Ottawa Maybrook may be the answer. The island is changing with many residents working over in town. But is she too big? What if we never fill her with cars? So many questions. Dr. HA. Stewart MLA was advised yesterday by Hon. George Doucett, Ontario Minister of Highways, that the new ferry steamer WOLFE ISLANDER will be completed and ready for operation on the Kingston - Wolft Island ferry service by the end of October. Whig-Standard September 20, 1946